According to the American Sleep Association, 10 percent of adults and 15 percent of children in the nation grind and clench their teeth, which is a condition called bruxism. Even though the episodes can happen at any time during the day or night, people commonly experience it while they’re sleeping, which makes it hard to diagnose. If you’re wondering “how do you treat bruxism?”, the best place to start is with your dentist in Waco. Read on to learn how this condition impacts your oral health and how your dentist can prevent dental damage emerging because of it.
Signs You Have Bruxism
Because most people grind their teeth while they’re sleeping, it can be difficult to even notice that there’s a problem. That’s why a majority of bruxism cases go undiagnosed unless you’re aware of the common signs of the condition. Here are some symptoms you should keep an eye out for that point towards you needing bruxism treatment:
- Grinding noises heard by your partner or roommate.
- Jaw soreness.
- Pain while biting and chewing.
- Difficulty staying asleep.
- Teeth that are visibly worn-down.
- Sensitive teeth.
- A dull and lingering headache when you wake up in the morning.
If you notice any of these symptoms, immediately contact your dentist in Waco or let them know during your next checkup and cleaning. They’ll examine your mouth and let you know if you can benefit from customized bruxism treatment.
Problems Caused By Teeth Grinding
Many people aren’t aware of how dangerous bruxism can be. It can significantly increase your risk of developing several problems down the road, which is why it’s important to diagnose and treat as soon as you notice the signs. Here are some dangers of grinding and clenching your teeth daily:
- Muscle tension and pain.
- Lingering and distracting headaches.
- Tooth damage, such as chips, cracks, and fractures.
- Receding gums, making your teeth look longer.
- Worn-down teeth.
- Dental sensitivity.
- TMJ disorder caused by damage to the jawbone structure.
Protecting Your Teeth From Bruxism
When you visit your dentist in Waco, they’ll conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and oral tissues to determine whether you can benefit from bruxism therapy. If you can, they’ll discuss customized bruxism nightguards that you wear when you sleep to protect your teeth from gnashing against each other and causing an oral problem to develop.
Typically, the procedure can be completed in two appointments. During your first, your dentist will capture impressions of your teeth to send off to a dental laboratory to craft your customized nightguard. Using high-quality and durable materials that will cushion your muscles and teeth from injury, they’ll make your protective guard and send it back to your dentist. After you try it on at the office, your dentist will provide you with maintenance instructions and make any final adjustments for you.
Instead of letting bruxism severely impact your oral health, address the problem as soon as possible! With a customized nightguard, you’ll be able to rest peacefully every night knowing that your teeth aren’t in harm’s way.
About the Author
Dr. Theresa Lassetter understands the impact that harmful oral conditions can have on the health of your teeth and gums. That’s why she focuses on providing her patients who suffer from bruxism with high-quality protective treatment. By doing this, she’s able to save you from developing costly oral issues down the line. For questions or to schedule a consultation for bruxism therapy, visit Heart of Texas Smiles’ website or call 254-776-3310.